Dear Anne-Worley,
Workers at Movement Gyms are struggling. We have been trying to negotiate for a living wage, fair scheduling, and a voice about safety issues in our gyms. But your company has refused to bargain in good faith. We still lack basic safety protections and we aren’t paid a living wage – and many of us rely on public assistance for food. Please, Anne-Worley, join us at the bargaining table.
Hear directly from Movement Gym workers.
Watch our short-form documentary below.
Rock climbing gyms have evolved from niche community spots into one of the country’s fastest-growing fitness industries, fueled by private equity investment and a surge of new climbers. As the sector expands, we as workers are confronting the same economic pressures seen in other booming service industries where employees are unionizing for fair wages, safety, and a real seat at the table.
Recently, we filed unfair labor practice charges with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) against Movement Gyms, the largest climbing gym operator in North America, alleging that the company — long branded as a community-oriented, values-driven employer — crossed legal lines during a worker delegation to its Colorado headquarters.
A delegation traveled from around the country hoping to speak directly with CEO Anne-Worley Moelter about stalled negotiations, low pay that leaves many of us struggling to afford basic necessities, and ongoing concerns about staffing and safety. Instead, senior management informed us that Moelter would only meet with us if we agreed to give up our legal right to union representation in the meeting.
Video captured that day shows Movement managers explaining that the meeting would proceed only if employees entered without the presence of their chosen representative. We are now presenting that to the NLRB in our complaint alleging a violation of the National Labor Relations Act.
Nearly 900 workers at 25 gyms nationwide have already unionized with Workers United, citing unpredictable scheduling, high turnover, and pay that does not match the responsibility of running facilities where safety is paramount. But we need all the help we can get. That’s why we’re asking you to add your name.
Better Jobs = Better Gyms
Movement Gyms workers across the country are fighting for a union contract as the company repeatedly stalls at the bargaining table.
By stalling in contract negotiations, Movement is standing in the way of significant improvements to our gyms for workers and customers alike. Our union contract proposals include a number of provisions that would significantly improve the Movement experience for customers.
Movement workers are fighting for:
- More staff assigned to youth programs and events like birthday parties to ensure the safety of young climbers and give them more of the individual coaching they need to thrive.
- A better staffed front desk to reduce customer check-in times and make it easier and faster for customers to get the equipment they need to climb.
- Competitive wages and fair scheduling to reduce worker turnover, keep experienced yoga, fitness and climbing instructors working in your gym and ensure that customers receive the best possible instruction.
- A fair workload for route setters so that they can prioritize customers safety and satisfaction while continuing to set quality routes.
- Regular water testing and the installation of air filters to ensure that customers can hydrate and breathe safely while climbing.
- More of a voice for workers who hold management accountable to inspect and maintain equipment such as the ropes, harnesses, anchors and quick draws that keep us all safe while we’re hanging out on the wall.
About Climbing Workers United
Climbing Workers United, a campaign of coaches, instructors, routesetters, and customer experience workers organizing with Workers United, aims to raise wages, secure fair scheduling, and strengthen safety and training standards as the climbing gym industry expands rapidly. Nearly 900 workers at 25 gyms nationwide have already unionized.
